10 Ios Localization Troubles To Avoid In 2017

By Author: Shreya Gupta
Total Articles: 50
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iOS has become a rage, and everyone across the world is getting hooked onto the Apple software for its ease of use and virus protection. While this is great news for iOS APP developers, this also implies that for an APP to be well accepted; it needs to be localized to for different languages. This may seem easy, but iOS localization is fraught with challenges which need to be avoided. Here are potential threats which need to be addressed.

1. APP flexibility
To get the best results you need to plan from the start. When the plan is to take the APP global, start by creating an APP that is easy to localize using a process called ‘internationalization’. Ensure the coding is easy to translate and adapt to other cultural intricacies.

2. The Naming Dilemma
By now there are APPs with names ranging from quirky to easy to associate. Getting the name right is half the battle won. When christening the APP ensure that the name is not offensive to certain cultures. Some phrases or sounds while being acceptable in the original language have offensive interpretations in other cultures and being stuck ...
... with a non acceptable name will kill any change of the APP gathering mass appeal.

3. Iconic
Just like the APP make the APP icon stand out. In today’s world where the small screen on a phone or tablet is bombarded by APP icons, it is important to stand out from the rest. It may be a good idea to have different icons for different geographies as this will help to overcome any inhibitions for colors and designs.

4. Trying to use free translation services
While cost savings are always appreciated, there comes the point when cost cutting and value of services rendered do not match. Leave APP localization to the experts to get the best results rather than scouting online translation services which may require less or no payment but will provide appropriate work quality.

5. Provide context
When working with an iOS localization team, it is important to share the vision of the APP developer with the team. To enable the best localization share context and work in close collaboration with the translation team to ensure the best results.

6. Follow the progress
Translation services can be complicated and time-consuming, therefore ensure that the developers are working closely with the translators, keep a tab on the progress and set precise time-based goals to get the localization done in a timely and efficient manner.

7. Just as UK English is different from American English in writing and spelling, other languages vary slightly with different cultures. Keep this in mind when APP localization is being done. After all one English translation will not work for all the English speaking countries.

8. Ignore personal r clichés for better results
We all have a unique personal understanding of some cultures based on our exposure; however, a coder will be wise not to let these personal beliefs of other cultures rule the translation process. Instead, let the iOS localization experts use their knowledge to adapt the APP for specific cultural factors.

9. Remember your APP is not the only one
In today’s vast market where even local APP developers are coming up with new ideas and have the wherewithal to develop APPs on a range of subjects, make sure that your APP stands out from the crowd. Use the fact that your APP is not local as a positive to be prominent but ensure that the APP localization is done perfectly.

10. Localization is not translation
APP localization is a lot more complicated than just translating the text into the new language. More importantly, effort needs to be given to adhere to cultural differences to enable the users to be comfortable with the APP.